Term Limit Measure to Go Back on Ballot

For the second time in four years, residents will have a chance to decide whether they want to impose term limits on their local elected officials.

The City Council on Tuesday approved an ordinance that would place a term limit measure on the November ballot. If enacted, the ordinance would limit council members to two consecutive four-year terms, but allow members to leave office for two years and then serve on the council again.

It is the same ordinance that was overwhelmingly approved in June 1992 by voters, but which was invalidated by a state court decision which said that so-called general law cities--such as Dana Point--could not enact such a policy. There are 25 general law cities in Orange County.

But on Jan. 1, a state law took effect authorizing local governments to adopt term limits. Since then, a number of cities have set referendums on the issue.

“I do not think people should make being on city council a full-time profession or a lifelong career,” Councilwoman Judy Curreri said. “I’m sorry we have to spend some money to put this back to a vote, but if this is the only way that we can get it to actually be a legitimate law, then that will be my action.”

The estimated cost of placing this issue on the ballot is $5,000. The vote was 3 to 0, with Councilman Bill Ossenmacher and Councilwoman Toni Gallagher absent.